Buyers’ Guide for the Best Splitting Axe (Reviews and Top Picks for 2018)

Using the best splitting axe is one of the best and most cost-effective ways of splitting wood. These tools have efficient head designs and come fitted with handles that enable them to multiply their striking force, thus enabling you to split more wood with less effort.

After all, these axes have been used for decades by gardeners to chop firewood and their shapes have handily changed. Therefore, if you are a novice on the market and need an axe that is worth your money, we got what you really need.

Best Splitting Axe Buyers’ Guide

The first and the most critical thing that you should consider when buying a splitting axe is your goal. Why do you need an axe? What are you going to cut or split with it? How long do you want it to last?

Because they are hundreds of these brands on the market, you need to set your goal straight so that you can buy the best one for your specific need. Surely, there are dozens of multipurpose axes out there but they don’t give you the same quality service provided by an axe that is meant for splitting.

The next step is to know how much you want to spend on your splitting axe. You need to determine how much you have and how much you wish to spend on this tool. Your budget will allow you or stop you from purchasing any certain brand, so set your budget before you hit the market.

Now that you know the basics of buying a splitting axe, let us look at the specifications that you need to focus on when choosing your preferred axe.

Weight and Length

Weight and length of your axe are critical factors. If you wish to split thicker and bigger piles of wood, then you require a heavy and long splitting axe. If you want to chop small piles of wood and even use your tool as a hatch, then you should go for a shorter model.

The Material of the Axe

Know what the axe is made of before you buy it – both the axe handle and the head. Different materials will offer you different benefits. Some material makes the axe sharper, some make it heavier, and some make it absorb shock.

Depending on your specific needs, you should go for the right material that will suit your needs. There are synthetic handles, wooden handles, ash handles, polymer handles, and dozens of other options that you can choose from.

And the head is often made of forged steel; you should know if it is laminated or is made of other chemicals which are often mixed together.

Style of the Handle

Know whether you want a curved handle or a straight handle. A straight handle is easier to control than a curved one but it produces more friction. On the flipside, a curved handle makes it simpler to chop down than a straight one as it feels more comfortable and natural in your hand.

So, if you will be working for an extended period, then go for a curved handle axe but if you simply want to get the splitting done faster, go for a straight handle.

Bit of the Axe

There are usually 2-bit options for splitting axes. There is the single bit option which looks like a knife and the double bit option which looks like a dagger.

You should choose the right bit according to your need – your purpose. For instance, if your chores require a tool with blades on both sides, then a double bit option might be the perfect choice for you, otherwise go for a single bit axe.

Antique or Modern

Lastly, you need to know if you want an antique or a modernized axe. An antique splitting axe might cost you more than a modern model. On the other hand, a modern axe might be more productive than an antique one.

Review of the Top Splitting Axes

Here are the top 7 splitting axes for 2018:

1. Fiskars x27 Super Splitting Axe 36 Inch

With Firskars x27, every swing will count due to its extreme power. It enables users to chop woods with more single-swing cuts and deeper chops, thanks to its effective performance design, specifications, and features.

The axe comes with a unique fiber comp handle that is stronger and lighter than steel that makes it unbreakable. This handle is both ergonomically comfortable and durable. The axe’s steelhead blade is made with a grinding tech that provides a sharper edge for cleaner cuts and contacts.

Pros

Durable, strong, and almost unbreakable.

Very easy to use and control.

Ergonomic non-slip and comfortable

Con

Only perfect for tall

2. Fiskars Iso Core 8 lb. Maul 36 Inch

It is obvious that Fiskars is a top company. The brand’s Iso Core axe offers maximum wood splitting due to the product’s high-quality design. It comes in the original colors of orange and black, so you can be assured that you will only get an original Fiskars wood splitting session.

Everything about this axe is effortless through prolonged sessions of use. The best thing, it is an all-round use tool that provides value for the money. The 8 lb. head carries the power and weight for cutting stakes and wedges and splitting huge logs of wood.

Pros

Perfect for cleaving along driving wedges and splitting wood.

Sturdy construction.

Rust-resistance head.

Con

Not perfect for felling trees.

3. CS90TA-BRK Trail Boss

This is one of the best tools you will find on the market for chopping wood and is a favorite of many gardeners in the world. This versatile axe is made of a carbon steel blade as well as a brown wood handle. Generally, the tool is lightweight and compact but still tough.

With Trail Boss, you can chop or slip your wood for a long session without getting tired since it comes with a comfortable handle.

Pros

Compact and light product.

Perfect for backpacking and camping.

Sharp carbon steel blade.

Con

Low-quality handle.

4. Cold Steel 90TH Trail Hawk American Hickory Handle

This superb axe is processional drop forged from durable carbon steel. Drop forging is one of the best methods of making an impact weapon, especially one with sharp cutting edges. The hawk is differently heated to ensure that the hammer face and cutting edge are fully hardened.

With that said, the tool’s balance is quite soft in order to absorb shock when splitting hardwood. This efficient product promises you years of wood chopping without needing to visit the market in the near future.

Pros

Absorbs shock.

Very effective.

A sharp axe.

Con

The head requires some fine-tuning.

5. CRKT Freyr Tactical Axe

This axe features a Norse design that manufacturers says it a soul that is all American. Why change a design that has been tested over hundreds of years? This is the thinking of the designer and legend Elmer Roush.

Its deep beard resembles Viking design but its pure burliness and balance boost it into a modern axe. Sadly, you won’t get a Viking battle or shield when buying this product, but who needs it when all you want is to split wood?

Pros

Classic Viking design.

Well-balanced tool.

Chops all kind of woods.

Con

A bit heavy.

6. Fiskars 375581-1001 Chopping Axe 28 Inch

This axe has a length of 28 inches, which is perfect for tall people. It is recommended for felling trees as well as chopping woods three times faster than most axes. It similar to Fiskars x15 but it is a bit larger.

Many people love this tool because it’s easy to use and carry around. Some people even argue that it’s for light uses only but that’s not true. This is a reliable product compared to most axes in its class and comes with a comfortable handle.

Pros

Effective for felling trees.

Cuts cleanly.

Very affordable.

Con

Frequent use might damage the blade.

7. Estwing Special Edition Sportsman’s Axe

This under $100 axe is the best choice for outdoor activities. Both its handle and head are forged in a single-piece and hand finished to provide a stylish look. This classic tool provides unrivaled temper and balance.

The product comes with a leather handle which is lacquered and sanded for a comfortable and durable finish. The axe comes with a ballistic nylon sheath with strong belt loop so you can always carry your tool wherever you go.

Pros

Genuine leather handle.

Comes with a carrying belt.

Perfect for campers.

Con

Need eye protection when using it.

8. Gerber Gator Combo Axe II

There are a lot of great features of this axe. To begin, the axe features a durable forged steel head that ensures that the blade always remains sharp. It also features a gator grip handle that offers you an amazing grip and superb striking force.

Its handle is forged from glass-filled nylon and this camp axe is pretty light to ensure that you can carry it with ease. The best thing, it has a ballistic nylon sheath for carrying it.

Pros

Great price.

Long lasting and versatile.

Perfect for camping.

Con

Hard to find in a dark room.

Our Pick for the Top Splitting Axe

There is no single axe in our list that is not a top-quality tool, but we have to go with the Fiskars x27 Super Splitting Axe 36 Inch as our top pick. This axe is extremely powerful, chops deeper, and has a fiber comp handle that makes it comfortable to handle it. Its other great features include durability, easy to use, and strong handle.

Parts of Splitting Axe that Require Care

A splitting axe comes with different parts that require regular maintenance. Look after your axe and it will give you years of service.

Wooden Handle – If your axe has a wooden handle, ensure that you protect it from outdoor elements such as water. The handle often comes protected with beeswax or linseed oil.

Steel Head – Most axes come with a steelhead that needs protection to remain sharp.

The Mask – This is the third part of your axe that you will need to protect. It is also called sheath.

How do you look after these three parts? Here are some few tips:

Always keep the axe sharp in order to keep it in a good working condition.

Protect your axe from any moisture to prevent the head from rusting. Oil it regularly.

Maintain your axe handle by applying the recommended oil or wax. Boiled linseed oil is one of the best oil for these handles.

Avoid any material or treatment that might make the mask to become loose. You can apply the recommended products such a Nikwax.

Note: If you follow the manufacturer’s recommended guide for maintaining your splitting axe, it will remain in top quality and offer you years, if not decades, of service.

FAQs About Splitting Axe

Q: How should I care for my splitting axe?

A: Your axe should always be stored in a dry area, but not warm or extremely dry because the handle might shrink in the axe head. Ensure that the bit, as well as the sheath, isn’t wet when you insert it into the sheath. In addition, oil the head before you store your axe for an extended duration. An un-oiled axe head might rust.

Q: How should I sharpen my axe?

A: The sharpening of a splitting axe is often done in two steps, depending on how it has worn down.

Major damage and nicks can be sharpened with an emery wheel.

Normal wear and minor damage can be sharpened with a wet bench grinder.

Lastly, hone the edges to remove feather edge or burr.

Bottom Line

Knowing what the best splitting axe on the market today is the first step toward effortless chopping and cutting. These tools are often quite versatile and very easy to use such that anyone can start to use them immediately. Best thing, they come in different sizes, shapes, and weight to fit your specific needs.

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